Discourse of a special event in mass media (on the example of Robert Rozhdestvensky Altai Regional Literary Festival)

Abstract

The subject of this article is the components of media discourse of a cultural event. Based on the quantitative content analysis and critical discourse analysis of media materials, the author examines peculiarities of the discourse of Robert Rozhdestvensky Altai Regional Literary Festival held since 2007. Analysis is conducted on the quantitative characteristics of publication dynamics (distribution of the material by type of media; by tone i.e. the context of mentioning – positive, negative, or neutral). Characteristic to these media texts is given from the perspective of organization of the discourse: determination of the tone of mentioning and discursive role of the mentioned individuals and organizations – active or passive, representation of communicative events. It is established that the event is covered primarily on the media platforms of regional authorities. Among the most frequently cited subjects in a positive context are the common participants, prominent figures, members of the poet's family, representatives of commercial organizations — sponsors and partners; while in a negative context – political parties, mass media, and administration. An active discursive role characterizes the organizations and representatives of culture and education, among whom are famous actors and authorities, including the governor; less active are the members of poet’s family, political parties, and commercial organizations. Therefore, most discursively active and presented in a positive way are the authorities, organizations and representatives of culture and education. Discursively passive participants are the common participants of a special event. The article demonstrates the positioning of the head of the region within structure of media discourse.